Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday, assured Nigerians that the country would be prosperous in 2019, only if they did not allow peace to elude them as countrymen.
Mr Obasanjo gave the assurance in his Christmas message during the 2018 Carol Service of Six Lessons organised by the Chapel of Christ, The Glorious King of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta.
The former President warned Nigerians not to allow the peace of God to elude the country, saying if such happened, on the contrary, no one should ascribe the act to God.
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Mr Obasanjo said the message of peace became important in the season of love and peace by which the birth of Jesus Christ is known for.
He reaffirmed the alarming state of insecurity in the country, noting that the development had not been encouraging.
Mr Obasanjo in a statement made available to newsmen by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, was full of hope that Nigerians who left the country for better living would return to the country when its fortune turn around in the coming year.
“The situation is getting worrisome by the day. I was in Kaduna and I thought that the story would be different. The people there said insecurity, kidnapping and killings are happening.
“If peace eludes us, it is not an act of God, but, our making. That is why I am happy that our Bishop in his sermon also talked about peace. This is the appropriate time to talk about peace, this is the season of peace.
“It will be a year of blessings for each one, and particularly for Nigeria. When people come to me and say they are giving up on the country, I tell them no, that next year is the year of blessings for all.
“With right statements, right actions, people will be trooping back into the country. We had it before, there is no reason not to have it again,” Obasanjo told the congregation.
The Archbishop of Ogun Province, The African Church, Abeokuta, The Most Revd. S.O.B Ojumu had earlier in his sermon enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of peace, particularly during this festive periods and as the general elections draw near.
He further admonished politicians to make peace their cornerstone in seeking political office.
The cleric equally commended Obasanjo for his role in peacebuilding globally, noting that, “he has contributed immensely for peace in Africa and the world. We shall continue to thank you for this role.”
